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June 12, 2011 – The Team Arrives in Arusha

The entire Philmont and Friends Kilimanjaro team has arrived safely and with all of their luggage in Arusha, Tanzania. They arrived tired from all of the travel, but ready for the adventure that awaits them!

Unloading duffel bags from the international flights at Mt Meru Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania.

Pete and Adam enjoy their welcome drinks at the Mt Meru Hotel.

Two on the instigators of this adventure, Lee Huckstep and Rick Touchette.

The debate has already begun: in Tanzania, which is the better beer - Kilimanjaro Lager or Tusker?

David arrived mid-afternoon on Ethiopian Airlines. He has come a long way from Ontario, California!

Team photo: By 9:00PM, we were all in Arusha. Bob, Lee, Pete and Adam were in their rooms sleeping off jet lag, but the rest of the team excitedly shared stories of their flights to Africa and of expectations for the adventure ahead. Our orientation and "gear shakedown" will begin first thing tomorrow morning, so we knew we should follow Bob and Lee's lead and get to bed early, but we could not resist conducting a few more Tusker Beer vs Kilimanjaro tests before retiring. It is great to be together!